Our Board

Ms Renee Williams

MPH, AssDeg BusAdmin (ATSI studies), AdvDip CommSectMgmt, Cert IV IndigLeadership

Appointed: 1 April 2024

Current term: 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2028

Ms Renee Williams is the Chair of our Board.

Renee brings over two decades of experience dedicated to advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. She is an experienced health executive with a focus on empowering communities across the health, research, and not-for-profit sectors.

Currently she is serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Torres Health Indigenous Corporation. In her role Renee spearheads initiatives aimed at fostering healthy lifestyles and providing vital educational resources to the vibrant community of Torres Strait Islands.

Renee has a Masters in Public Health, an Associate Degree in Business Administration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies) and an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management.

Renee is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman. She has cultural links to the Bindal and Juru people in North Queensland and maternal linkages to the Wakka Wakka people, along with Mer and Erub Islands in the Torres Strait.

Ms Renee Williams is Chair of the Finance and Performance Committee and Chair of the Board Executive Committee.

Ms Susan Hadfield

BScN, CertIVTA, CertTLQM, CertTLQM(NDIS)

Appointed: 19 September 2020

Current term: 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2028

Ms Sue Hadfield is a member of our Board and also holds the following positions:

• Member, Safety and Quality Committee
• Member, Executive and Performance Committee.

She's worked in clinical nursing, leadership, and management of clinical services roles throughout Queensland for over 40 years.

Now retired, Sue is committed to improving the delivery of health services and outcomes for people in rural and remote communities.

She offers experience and advocacy for reforms that are sensitive to indigenous people and rural and remote communities.

Sue led the coordination of cancer service projects and service reforms across Far North Queensland rural and remote communities. These reforms improved patient experience, timeliness, and access to services.

Ms Susan Hadfield is a member of the Safety and Quality Committee.

Mr Darren Thamm

BCom, FCA(Aust), CIA, RCA

Appointed: 18 May 2021

Current term: 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2028

Mr Darren Thamm is a member of our Board and also Chair of the Audit, Risk and Finance Committee.

Darren has more than 20 years of experience in commerce and public accounting across a wide number of industry sectors.

He's a fellow chartered accountant, a registered company auditor and a certified internal auditor.

He's acted as auditor for a wide range of clients across local government, indigenous organisations, charities and not for profit community organisations.

Darren is a partner of Jessups NQ, a specialist auditing and assurance firm based in North Queensland.

He's also presented training courses in accounting and audit for universities and professional accountancy bodies.

Mr Darren Thamm is Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee and a member of the Board Executive Committee.

Ms Karyn Watson

GDipIndigHProm, DipATSIPrimH, DipBusGov

Appointed: 18 May 2021

Current term: 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2028

Ms Karyn Watson is a member of our Board and also holds the following positions:

• Member, Safety and Quality Committee
• Member, Executive and Performance Committee.

Karyn is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman who lives in Seisia, Northern Peninsula Area of Cape York.

She has extensive knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, specifically primary health care.

Karyn has a great passion for health and social wellbeing, and has been involved with delivering positive health outcomes for the region.

She's worked in the primary health care sector for the past 20 years, including 11 years in management positions.

She's enjoyed the challenges involved with the business, and tailoring services to meet the specific needs of the community.

Ms Karyn Watson is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Ms Kirstyne Davis

AdvDipBusMgmt (HRM)

Appointed: 8 February 2024

Current term: 8 February 2024 to 31 March 2026

Ms Kirstyne Davis is a member of our Board.

Kirstyne is a proud First Nations woman, of both Torres Strait and Aboriginal heritage. She grew up on the lands of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people (Cairns).

She has more than 20 years' experience leading strategic community and business development projects in FNQ. She has held senior executive positions across Cape York and the Torres Strait region.

Kirstyne is the Chief Executive Officer of the Cape York Institute for Policy, Leadership, and Innovation. She is passionate about improving the health, education and safety of First Nations communities.

She is a member of the Torres Strait Kaziw Meta Boarding College Management Committee, a Director of the Puuya Foundation, Lockhart River and the Girls from Oz Australia. These positions align with Kirsty's passion for building capability in our youth and grass roots program and policy development.

Ms Kirstyne Davis is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee and a member of the Safety and Quality Committee.

Mr Jason Ramsamy

AAdvDipProcCtrt, DipProjMgmt, DipMgmt, DipGovt

Appointed: 8 February 2024

Current term: 8 February 2024 to 31 March 2026

Mr Jason Ramsamy is a member of our Board.

Jason is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man who grew up in Cairns.

He has more than 20 years' experience in policy and program areas in Queensland, Northern Territory and Commonwealth government agencies.

Jason has worked to conserve, protect and manage country in the environment and social services sectors. He also has experience in procurement and contract management, and project management. He is a qualified boilermaker.

He is currently the Director for the Traditional Use Marine Resources Agreements (TURMAs) with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in Cairns.

Mr Jason Ramsamy is a member of the Finance and Performance Committee and a member of the Board Executive Committee.

Dr David (Russ) Russell-Weisz

MB ChB, FAICD, FACHSM, FRACMA, FRACGP, FACRRM, MHA

Appointed: 26 August 2024

Current term: 26 August 2024 to 25 August 2025

Dr David (Russ) Russell-Weisz is the TCHHS Board Advisor appointed by the Health Minister.

Dr Russell-Weisz served as Director General of Western Australia’s Department of Health from 2015-2024.

He graduated as a doctor in Scotland before moving to Australia in 1993.

He joined the Royal Flying Doctor Service in rural New South Whales, then moved to Western Australia where he spent most of his career.

He served rural and remote areas of WA as a GP, then as Director of Medical Services.

Dr Russell-Weisz was the Chief Executive of the North Metropolitan Health Service before becoming Director General.

During that time he helped guide WA through the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw key health infrastructure projects.